Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 25) seized about 3.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine, about 600 grams of suspected cannabis buds, about 80g of suspected crack cocaine and a small amount of suspected cannabis oil, with a total estimated market value of about $3.8 million in Mong Kok, Yuen Long and Kwun Tong. Two men, aged 26 and 41, suspected to be connected with the case, were arrested. 

     During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in the vicinity of Hak Po Street, Mong Kok, yesterday evening, Customs officers intercepted two men and found about 1.1kg of suspected cocaine and about 100g of suspected cannabis buds, camouflaged as tea leaves, inside a vehicle driven by the 41-year-old man. The two men were subsequently arrested. Customs officers later escorted the other man, aged 26, to a residential flat nearby for a search and further seized about 80g of suspected crack cocaine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia therein.  

     Upon follow-up investigations, Customs officers further seized about 2.5kg of suspected cocaine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia in a residential flat rented by the 26-year-old man in Yuen Long. In addition, Customs officers seized about 500g of suspected cannabis buds, packed in tea leaf packaging bags, and a tiny amount of suspected cannabis oil in a subdivided unit owned by the 41-year-old man in Kwun Tong. 

     The two arrested persons have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The 26-year-old man who claimed to be a clerk has been additionally charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug, whereas the 41-year-old man who claimed to be a driver has been additionally charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 27).

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). 

Ends/Friday, January 26, 2024
Issued at HKT 17:50

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